PIA Press Release2005/08/01

Butuan City implements OTOP

by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

BUTUAN CITY (1 August) -- In support of President Arroyo's thrust of employing 6 million Filipinos, the Local Government of Butuan adopted the One Town One Product (OTOP) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with their One Barangay One Product program.

The said program aims to develop one product for every barangay, where raw material is available or accessible in the area. Agnes Carlos of the Office of the Barangay Affairs, said that most barangays already have their own product but these need to be developed and this is where DTI comes in. DTI provides technical assistance to these people on how to improve packaging.

Another livelihood program now implemented by the city government is the employment placement program. The move is a direct result of Mayor Plaza's People's Day where almost everyone who comes to see him ask for a job. Thus, to help his constituents, Plaza decided to tap business establishments for job openings.

According to Carlos, "The program has been very viable. Several companies have come to see us looking for job applicants. Through the program we're able to help the constituents of Butuan".

When ask whether they have available data as to how may have been employed through this program, Carlos said they don't have the data yet. "We're still on the process of gathering said data", Carlos explained.

Carlos also revealed that the City Government has set aside three million pesos for OFW Butuanons. The said money will be loaned to OFWs for their fare, visa processing, among other needs. The said project is lodged with the Office of the City Economic Enterprise (OCEE), she added. (PIA-Caraga) [top]